Many a believer will give an intellectual acknowledgement of the importance of good deeds; I am one of them. However, a quick examination of one’s life will show you that there is always space for more good deeds. When last did you do a good deed? We often think that good deeds is the domain of the rich… if the rich did a bit more it would ease a lot of suffering…as it is commanded in 1 Timothy 6:18…
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Good deeds however are a characteristic of believers. It is our way to glorify God.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)
It is also the calling and purpose of our lives:
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph 2:10)
“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose.” (Phil 2:12-13)
It is evidence of a changed life, both good and evil will be demonstrated in our lives eventually:
“Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.” (1 Tim 5:24-25 NLT)
It is the outworking of our faith…
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” (James 2:14-18)
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13)
Good deeds are our work for eternity…
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.
8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)” (Rev 19:7-8)
Please note, that last line is actually in the bible. Our good deeds adorn us at the wedding feast, it is our preparation for eternity. That thought really blows my mind!
Good deeds don’t always involve money, it also includes our words, our actions, our time, our abilities which can help and serve others without the exchange of money. Good deeds make us “the salt of the earth” (Matt 5:13) because just as a meal is improved with the addition of salt, the lives of people are improved by our presence and action in their lives. We are “my brothers’ keeper” (Gen 4:9) and the world is changed by the presence of believers in it.
Did you know that believers are behind the creation of hospitals, orphanages, clinics and refugee homes? Believers who are filled with the same compassion that Jesus had when he wept over Jerusalem, are moved to make a difference in the circumstances of others. When last were you moved to do good?
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds,” (Heb 10:24)
This is me, spurring you on, as I reflect on my own life and good deeds. How does one make good deeds, done in compassion for the needs of others, part of the “fabric” of our lives? Some thoughts:
- Look for opportunities to do good.
- Do one good thing a day. If it comes to 5 pm and you have not done a good deed yet, think creatively about what you could do.
- Allocate time just to “serve” people. That idle time, “idle” because I can always find something to do, how can that time be used to serve the needs of others?
- Bring together people who can help each other. “I may not know how to meet your need, but I know someone who can, let me introduce you.”
- Partner with other believers in doing something good together. More hands make less work. More people combine their skills to make a difference. Many can achieve what one never could.
Come, let’s show the world out there that we are sons and daughters of the King.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)
Thank you, Father, that You are always teaching me, preparing me, building into my heart. Help me to look for opportunities for what I believe, to be demonstrated in my life by my actions. I want my life to glorify You and to have a purpose in heaven. Help me to move out of apathy, idleness and comfort in order to impact the world around me. Fill my heart with a compassion that moves me, not just empathy. Help me to recognize other believers to partner with in doing good deeds until it becomes a part of my life and character.
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